Where are the Resolution Runs?

Q. You mentioned the absence of the Frosty 5K Series in a recent post. My question is: Where are the "resolution runs?" I can't find evidence of any events scheduled for the morning of Jan. 1... --A.W.

Well, if you were looking within the Charlotte city limits, you're right -- there's not much going on. My friend Bobby said there was a Resolution Run in Charlotte awhile back, but it never gained any real traction and disappeared after a few short years.

If you're willing to do a little traveling that morning, though, I know of three solid options:

1. The New Balance Girls on the Run 5K is at 10 a.m. in Denver (35-40 minutes north of uptown Charlotte). The start and finish are on the site where the Sally's Y in East Lincoln County. Entry fee is $25 and proceeds support Girls on the Run of Lincoln County. Overall, masters and age-group awards will be given out. Click here for the registration form, or here for more info.

2. The 28th annual "Hair of the Dog" event in Spartanburg, S.C. (less than 90 minutes west of uptown Charlotte) offers 10- and 5-mile races leaving from the Pine Street YMCA at 8:15 a.m. Registration is $20 on or before Christmas Day, or $25 Dec. 26 or later (prices are $5 cheaper for ages 16 and younger). Morning-of, you can get a Panera Bread breakfast for just $5 at the race site. Click here for more information.

3. Off 'N Running Sports of Greensboro is hosting its fourth annual Resolution Run -- a 5K run/walk -- at 10 a.m. It's happening on a rolling greenway course at Bur-Mil Park (5834 Bur-Mil Club Road). You need to pre-register (here), but entry is just 10 canned food items. Overall male and female winners will get Off 'N Running gift certificates.

If you'd prefer something more informal and closer to home, there's The Charlotte Runners Meetup Group's "Unofficial New Years Almost Noon Almost 10k Unorganized Trail Run" -- click here to see how unorganized it truly is (although it's sure to be a fun one, with a good group).

And if you want to get an even earlier jump on racing in 2010, there's the Running of the Lights at midnight on New Year's Eve/Day in Clemmons (about 75 minutes north of uptown Charlotte). Participants will be able to run through the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park while also enjoying a six- to eight-minute-long fireworks display. It's a 3.2-miler. Cost is $30 and the race shirts are Dri-Fit and long-sleeved. Click here for details.

Happy holidays...